Morning dawned gently over Vyomtara Manor, spilling golden light across its stone walls and frost-kissed gardens. The winter had softened, leaving behind cool breezes that carried the faint scent of jasmine and earth. Today was special. Today, the triplets, now two years and two months old, would venture beyond the manor gates for the first time, to explore the village of Arohana.
Carriages, finely polished and drawn by chestnut horses, waited at the courtyard. Duke Varesh and Duchess Elaria had dressed the boys in warm tunics and little boots, their silver-gray hair glinting in the morning sun. Aryan, calm as ever, held his small hand upon the edge of his chair, surveying the carriage with quiet curiosity. He thought about the fields, the people, and the stories that might hide within the village paths. Sasi clutched a little bundle of handkerchiefs, bouncing on his heels with gentle excitement, imagining all the friendly faces he would meet. Aditya, ever fiery and impatient, climbed into the carriage and peeked over the side, pointing at the horses and shouting, "Ho! Faster!" He couldn't wait to conquer the world, even in small steps.
The journey to Arohana Village was filled with the soft rhythm of rolling wheels and the gentle clop of horse hooves. Hills rolled lazily past, fields glimmered with morning dew, and the air smelled faintly of soil and growing crops. The boys pressed their faces against the carriage windows, marveling at the sight of farmers tending their lands and cows grazing peacefully. Aryan traced the patterns of sunlight on the distant rivers, wondering how the water always seemed to sparkle like a secret. Sasi waved at every child they passed, feeling an immediate connection to the warmth of strangers' smiles. Aditya leaned eagerly forward, imagining the adventures that awaited him beyond each turn of the road.
Upon entering the village, the family was greeted by the serenity of Arohana—a place where green fields stretched toward soft hills, rivers wound gracefully through the land, and the villagers moved with quiet purpose. The air carried the mingled scents of fresh bread, hay, and iron from the blacksmiths' forges.
After settling in a modest village house arranged for their stay, the parents decided to show the triplets the heart of Arohana. They walked along the pathways lined with wildflowers and crops, showing them the hardworking farmers, their cows, and the small barns. The boys' laughter mingled with the sounds of the village.
Aditya ran ahead, arms outstretched as if commanding invisible armies. He paused now and then, crouching to inspect a stray leaf or a crawling beetle, pretending it was a dragon to be defeated. Sasi followed, laughing, pointing at flowers and butterflies with delight, quietly counting every petal he touched as if naming them a friend. Aryan paused frequently, examining the barns and fields, his little fingers brushing the leaves of the crops with quiet fascination. He wondered how each plant grew so straight, so perfectly, and thought he might try planting one himself someday.
Soon, Duchess Elaria suggested they enjoy a picnic in the heart of the fields. A soft woolen blanket was spread beneath a large tree, its branches swaying gently in the wind. Baskets of bread, fruits, and cheese were unpacked. The triplets sat in the middle of the spread, their laughter blending with the singing of birds above and the whispering of tall grass around them.
Aditya declared the bread "fortress walls," and promptly tried to balance it in his little hands, imagining himself a mighty general defending the kingdom. Sasi offered grapes to an imaginary army of butterflies, delighted in seeing the wings flutter. Aryan carefully arranged fruit slices in little patterns, as if blessing them with his quiet thoughts of order and care. Even amidst the laughter, each boy's personality shone.
After a joyful meal, Duke Varesh proposed a stroll to the market to buy small keepsakes of the village. The triplets, excited by all the colors, smells, and noises, wandered eagerly from stall to stall. They paused at jars of honey, piles of shiny apples, and stalls filled with tiny trinkets. Aditya darted toward a bundle of wooden swords, imagining battles against dragons. Sasi giggled at a basket of plush toys, arranging them into a tiny parade in his mind. Aryan quietly examined a display of carved wooden animals, imagining the stories each one could tell.
In the bustle, the triplets grew distracted. Without realizing it, they drifted away from their parents, slipping between crowded stalls, their little hands brushing the edges of baskets and ribbons. When the guards noticed, their hearts skipped. "The triplets—missing!" one shouted. Chaos rippled through the market. Elaria's face paled, Varesh's brows furrowed, and the entire household began a careful search.
Meanwhile, the triplets wandered deeper into the village, their curiosity guiding them. That's when they stumbled upon a boy, running barefoot through the dusty paths, a small hammer in his hand. His deep forest green hair shone in the sunlight, amber-gold eyes wide with wonder.
"Hello!" Aditya exclaimed first, pointing at the boy.
The boy stopped mid-step, his cheeks pink from running. "Hello! I'm Pranav," he said, his voice cheerful. "Who are you?"
Aryan, calm, stepped forward. "A-yan."Sasi waved shyly. "Sasi."Aditya jumped. "Aditya!"
Pranav's smile widened. "Wow! Three at once! Come with me, I'll show you the village!"
And so, in an instant, a friendship blossomed.
Pranav led the triplets along hidden paths, showing them the blacksmith's forge—where his father, Dharmil, worked tirelessly shaping iron into tools and horseshoes. The boys watched wide-eyed as sparks flew from the hammer. Aditya clapped, imagining himself a brave warrior forging his own sword. Sasi giggled, whispering encouragement to the glowing metal. Aryan observed every movement, fascinated by the rhythm and discipline of creation, silently promising himself to remember everything.
Pranav introduced them to secret gardens behind cottages, a little pond where frogs leapt happily, and fields where the tallest grass tickled their knees. They ran, laughed, and explored together, forming bonds that felt timeless despite their young age.
"I want to be a blacksmith, like my father!" Pranav said proudly, lifting a tiny wooden mallet.
"You will, I'm sure!" Aditya shouted, pounding a stick against a rock with mock fervor. Sasi nodded enthusiastically, while Aryan offered a quiet, approving smile.
Just as the sun began to dip, casting long golden shadows over the village, the guards found the group. Duke Varesh and Duchess Elaria appeared, their faces a mixture of relief and exasperation.
"There you are!" Elaria exclaimed, rushing to gather the triplets into her arms. "You must never wander off like this again!" she scolded softly but firmly.
Pranav looked at the Duke and Duchess for the first time. His amber-gold eyes widened in awe at the sight of Duke Varesh and Duchess Elaria, standing tall and regal. He bowed slightly, feeling honored and amazed. The warmth of their thanks to him made him beam, even as he noticed the triplets receiving gentle reprimands. He felt a pang of sympathy for his new friends, who had been scolded for their innocent adventure.
Duke Varesh placed a calming hand on Elaria's shoulder. "We are grateful, but never frighten our boys like this again," he said, his voice gentle yet commanding.
The triplets, realizing the gravity of their actions, looked at their parents with wide, remorseful eyes. "Sorry… father, mother," they whispered in unison, voices trembling.
Elaria hugged them tightly. "I know you didn't mean harm, my stars… but listen carefully, always stay near us," she said softly, kisses pressing their little heads.
Varesh smiled, ruffling Aditya's hair. "Never do this again, my boys."
"Yes, father!" the triplets chorused, voices tinged with tears, but hearts filled with relief.
The day ended with the family sharing a quiet dinner in the village house. The triplets, now calm and content, nestled against their parents as they recounted every detail of their adventures with Pranav. Their laughter filled the cozy home, mingling with the crackle of the hearth.
The next morning, as the carriage waited to carry the family home, Dharmil appeared, leading Pranav by the hand. The blacksmith bowed respectfully to Duke Varesh. "Thank you for taking care of Pranav and for letting him spend time with your boys," he said warmly.
Varesh smiled. "It was our pleasure. Thanks to Pranav, the triplets made their first true friend."
Pranav stepped forward, looking shy but proud. "I will become a great blacksmith, father," he declared, fists clenched, eyes shining.
The triplets laughed, clapping him on the back. "Good, Pranav!" they cheered in unison.
"I'll never forget you, my dear friends," Pranav replied, his voice thick with emotion.
Hugs were exchanged, tears spilled silently, and for a few long moments, the four of them held each other as if the world had shrunk to just their bond. Then, with a final wave, the carriage wheels began to turn, carrying the Duke family back to Vyomtara Manor.
Through the carriage window, they saw Pranav and Dharmil standing at the edge of the village road. The sun rose behind them, golden and soft, highlighting the beginning of a friendship that would endure in memory, even if distance separated them.
The triplets leaned together, whispering, "Goodbye, Pranav…""And goodbye, my friends…" Pranav called back, waving until they vanished from sight.
Vyomtara Manor awaited them, the home of warmth, love, and family bonds—but in their hearts, the adventure in Arohana had left a mark, a tender memory of friendship, courage, and laughter under the sun.
And so, by the time the carriage returned to Vyomtara Manor a few days later, the triplets—still only two years and two months old—fell asleep that night dreaming of fields, villages, blacksmiths, and a new friend who had shown them the simple joy of companionship.